What was the social or cultural climate at the time of its publication? What was the initial critical reception? Did opinions of the book change over time? At what point was the book most popular?

What was the social or cultural climate at the time of its publication?
What was the initial critical reception? Did opinions of the book change over time?
At what point was the book most popular?
Does the book belong to a larger movement? Was it a reaction against a political moment or literary movement that came before?